Belfast MarThoma Congregation, Northern Ireland ,is an approved congregation (Circular number DC/164/06 dated 04/04/2006- Diocesan Bishop, MarThoma Church ,NA&E ) of the MarThoma Syrian Church of Malabar which is an autocephalus church of India established by Apostle Saint Thomas in the Malabar coast of South India in AD 52. The term ‘MarThoma’,means Saint Thomas, and the term ‘Syrian Church’ denotes the liturgical language used from first century being Syriac / 'Suriyani' which is a dialect of Aramaic ,the language which our Lord spoke.The term ‘Syrian ’ does not mean that this church or her members have any connection or submission to the present country Syria directly or indirectly.

MarThoma Church has full membership in WCC and is in communion with the Anglican church. The church accepts the doctrines formed at the first 3 ecumenical councils of Nicaea (AD 325),Constantinople (AD 381) and Ephesus (AD 431).

MarThoma church is Oriental in origin,Eastern in traditions, Episcopal in nature, Democratic in administration, Catholic in mission, Reformed in faith , and Evangelical in outreach work and Ecumenical in vision and each and every adult member of the Church is considered to be an Evangelist.